Description

The ABEX Innovation Award is presented to the business that redefined its industry through cutting-edge technologies, systems, services, or products. The successful business not only successfully implements innovative solutions but also leaves a lasting positive impact on their industry and contributes to enhanced sales, productivity, and overall sustainability. This award recognizes the bold trailblazing and positive transformation achieved by the forefront innovator, shaping a better future for both their industry and society.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate successful ideation and implementation of an innovation.

Description

The ABEX Non-Profit Impact Award is presented to the non-profit organization that has contributed to the betterment of Saskatchewan's business landscape. Through innovative practices and transformative initiatives, the successful organization plays a crucial role in building a robust and vibrant ecosystem that contributes to making Saskatchewan an ideal place for businesses to thrive.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a registered non-profit organization.
• Note: Charities are not eligible. As per the CRA, organizations operating as charities cannot be considered non-profits.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Receive no more than 50% of funding from government entities.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Provide proof of impact on the Saskatchewan business community.
• Showcase measurable outcomes that highlight the organization's contributions and achievements.
• Demonstrate effective implementation of innovative programs or projects that have driven meaningful change for businesses or the broader economic landscape.

Description

The ABEX Community Involvement Award goes to the business that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting arts and culture, amateur sports, education, healthcare, or voluntary groups. Judging considers the relative size of the business. Greater consideration is given for involvement that is not an extension of the firm's main business activities. This award celebrates businesses that actively contribute to the betterment of their communities, demonstrating a genuine dedication to making a positive impact in areas that extend beyond their core business functions.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate active contributions to community betterment through investment, time-commitment of staff, and/or leading key initiatives.

Description

The ABEX Sustainability Leadership Award recognizes businesses that exemplify leadership in integrating sustainability into their core strategies, driving both environmental and economic value. This award celebrates organizations—whether large corporations or small businesses—that prioritize sustainability through efforts such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable sourcing, or educating their communities on environmental responsibility. The successful business sets a powerful example for others, demonstrating that sustainability is not just a commitment to environmental well-being, but a strategic investment that drives long-term success, resilience, and growth across all sectors.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Demonstrate implementation of sustainable business practices that demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Show a proven track record of sustainability initiatives over the past two years.
• Demonstrate measurable results from sustainability efforts (e.g., energy reduction, waste management improvements, carbon footprint reduction).

Description

The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Small Business) recognizes the business with less than 50 employees that has achieved significant growth or expansion through strategic initiatives. Growth may include increased revenue, market share, or customer base, while expansion may involve new locations, expanded product or service offerings, or entry into new markets. Businesses that have successfully expanded their reach through export—whether within Canada or internationally—will also be recognized for their role in strengthening Saskatchewan's presence beyond provincial borders.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
• Have less than 50 employees.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Display evidence of financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings).
• Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.

Description

The ABEX Growth & Expansion Award (Medium & Large Business) recognizes the business with 50 or more employees that has successfully executed growth or expansion strategies, leading to measurable business success. Growth may include revenue increases, workforce expansion, or market share gains, while expansion may encompass new geographic markets, product diversification, or investment in innovation. Businesses that have grown Saskatchewan's economy through export—whether by bringing local goods and services to national or global markets—will be recognized for their contributions to expanding the province's economic footprint.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this award, the organization must:

• Be a for-profit business.
• Demonstrate financial viability by submitting financial statements.
• Have been operating in Saskatchewan for at least two years as of April 1, 2025.
• Not have been the recipient of this award in the previous year.
• Not have won Business of the Year the previous year.
• Not currently serve as a board member or staff of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
• Have more than 50 employees.

Evaluation Criteria

To be successful in this category, organizations should ideally:

• Display evidence of financial growth, as well as growth or expansion in other areas (market share, customer base, geographical reach, business locations, product lines, service offerings).
• Showcase the development of strategies and projections for future growth.

Description

The ABEX Business of the Year Award is presented to the business that has exhibited exceptional performance in resilience, growth, stability, and overall business excellence. The recipient of this award is selected from all 2024 ABEX recipients, spanning across all application-based categories. Once you've applied for a category, you may complete the Business of the Year application, should you wish to be considered.

Requirements

• Must be a for-profit business.
• Must be financially viable.
• Must be operating in Saskatchewan for at least three years at the time of applying.
• Cannot have won this category within the past three (3) years.
• Must show evidence of business excellence across multiple areas of business. 
• Must show evidence of economic impact on the province

Description

This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the qualities of a business visionary and has contributed meaningfully to the local business community.

Description

This award is presented to an individual who has made a positive impact in Saskatchewan through volunteerism and philanthropy.